Leeds Digital Job Fair will return this February, proving once again that Leeds is the place to be for digital and tech professionals.

Whether you’ve just graduated, fancy a career change or want to make your next move, the tech sector is a safe bet, especially if you live in Leeds. There are 825 jobs up for grabs right now and that number is growing at an exponential rate. It’s something that Amy De-Balsi, founder of Leeds Digital Job Fair, has been tracking for the last for the last four years.

Credit: Sam Toolsie

On her first count in 2014, there were just 420 jobs available, but that number had reached 640 by 2016 – and if you fast forward to 2018, it’s up by another 20%. The tech industry is growing ridiculously fast. In fact, it’s growing faster than the wider UK economy, but the talent pool isn’t keeping pace – and that means Leeds is a city of opportunity.

There’s a huge demand for web designers, developers, digital marketers and project managers, ranging from entry level jobs to managerial roles – and while digital experience is preferred, there are a growing number of businesses that are prepared to invest in career changers and apprentices, because they see the importance of attracting new people with new skill sets into the industry.

Credit: Sam Toolsie

That’s why Leeds Digital Job Fair is so important. It puts innovative start-ups in the same room as some of the fastest growing businesses in the North, including Sky Betting & Gaming and TPP. “Before I started Herd, I was an IT project manager, but I always struggled to find jobs and I knew a lot of people who ran tech businesses were finding it just as hard to find candidates,” Amy explained. “So I created an online jobs board, and Leeds Digital Job Fair was a natural progression – I wanted to put everyone in a room together, so they could find the right fit.”

They’ll have 50 businesses at the event on Wednesday 28th February 2018 and that presents a unique opportunity because you can meet them, talk to them and find out what they have to offer. It’s the reason why Leeds Digital Job Fair attracted over 2,000 people last year – and they’re expecting even more this year thanks to their new time slot, which will run from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. Now you can pop by after work and consider your possibilities, because there really is something for everyone. Even if coding isn’t your cup of tea, you could move into project management, design or analytics.

Credit: Sam Toolsie

“I think that the people who get the most out of the event are the ones that go in with an open mind, who don’t necessarily know what they want to do or who they want to talk to,” Amy told us. “If you just go along and have lots of conversations, you’ll come out with a better idea of what you want – and you’ll have a plan for how to make it happen.”

There will be over 500 jobs available on the day, and this year, they’re introducing a new focus on apprenticeships, so you can get your foot in the door, even if you don’t have any experience or qualifications. This is your chance to find out how apprenticeships work and who you can do them with. And that’s not the only reason to go because you’ll be able to get expert help on your CV and cover letter from Google and Fruition IT, as well as attending talks from industry leaders and experts like Sky, NHS Digital and cap hpi.

Book your ticket now, it’s free

Credit: Sam Toolsie

Leeds Digital Job Fair has become one of the most prominent tech events in the city – and this year will be bigger and better than ever before. So put the date in your diary and book your ticket now. It’s absolutely free – and it could be just what you need to kick off the next stage of your career.